Dental Implants Archives - Ryan Perry, DDS

What Are the Best Brands of Dental Implant Abutments and Crowns?

Posted on December 18, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I’m scheduling consultations with three dentists in the area because I want to replace four missing teeth with dental implants. Which dental implant abutment brands and crowns should I ask for? I want my implants and crowns to last and look good. They cost too much for anything less. Thank you! Kingsley from NJ

Kingsley,

We understand your concerns about getting quality dental implants. However, finding a dentist with expertise and artistic vision is essential to getting healthy, beautiful results. Dictating which materials and techniques the dentist uses can hinder the desired outcome.

Imagine asking an artist to create a series of paintings for your home or office. Would you tell the artist which materials to use? Doing so would stifle the artist’s creativity and hinder the overall aesthetic appeal of the artwork. Instead, choosing a skilled artist who will use the necessary tools and materials for your requirements is best.

Similarly, when pursuing cosmetic dental procedures, it’s essential to trust the expertise of your chosen dentist. After conducting thorough research and selecting a qualified professional, allow them to assess your oral health and understand your aesthetic goals. Trust your dentist to choose the most suitable brands and materials for your needs, ensuring a healthy and personalized smile.

Periodontists, specialists in dental implants, possess the in-depth knowledge and experience necessary to select high-quality implants best suited to your oral anatomy and treatment plan.

Why Requesting Specific Brands of Dental Materials Isn’t Enough

Even if you could meticulously research and select specific materials, you would need to consider the dentist’s skills and experience with those materials to achieve the desired clinical and aesthetic outcomes effectively.

Understanding Gumline Darkness with Dental Crowns

It’s a common misconception that specific dental crowns, such as those made from porcelain fused to gold or white metals, will eliminate the appearance of a dark line at the gumline. All metals used in dental crowns, regardless of color, can exhibit a visible line at the gumline where the crown meets the natural tooth structure. While the color of this line may vary (black instead of gray), it will still be discernible.

Advanced bonding techniques with pure ceramic crowns can eliminate this dark line. However, other methods, such as cutting the metal back at the margin, can minimize its visibility but not eliminate it.

Zirconium oxide is a highly versatile material for dental crowns due to its exceptional strength and opaque white color. While not transparent, it allows a skilled dental technician to skillfully layer translucent ceramic with it to create highly lifelike and aesthetically pleasing restorations.

Prioritize a dentist’s expertise and artistic vision to increase the likelihood of achieving a beautiful, functional, and long-lasting smile. Look for dentist with extensive post-graduate training in implantology and cosmetic dentistry.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry has MDI and Zimmer dental implant training. Read how Dr. Perry strives to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

Why Are My Dental Implant Crowns Loose?

Posted on August 29, 2024 by AllSmiles.

In July 2022, a dentist completed a full-mouth reconstruction for me. I received dental implants, crowns, and porcelain veneers. All four implant crowns were loose within eight months. The dentist secured them again. But last month, the implants became painful again, and one crown is loose. Two of my veneers are loose.

I am deeply concerned because I called the dentist’s office and did not get a response. I searched for the practice on Google, and their Google page says the office is permanently closed. This can only mean that I need to find a new dentist. A friend suggested that I try to track the dentist through the state dental board. I do not want anything from the dentist but my dental records. If the office is closed, my chances of getting a refund are unlikely. I do not know where to start. I appreciate your help. Lamar from NV

Lamar,

We are sorry to hear about your experience. It is undoubtedly traumatizing. Unfortunately, the only thing you can do is find another dentist, but be cautious when selecting.

Why Are Your Dental Implant Crowns Loose?

Your dental implant crowns may be loose due to incorrect implant fixture placement or faulty crown placement/

What Is Full-Mouth Reconstruction?

Full-mouth reconstruction is a combination of dental procedures to rebuild or replace most of your teeth. It requires advanced training and experience. A dentist needs occlusion, bite, and cosmetic dentistry training to restore oral health and give you a beautiful smile. We have several suggestions.

Why Should You Avoid Cheap Dental Implants?

Dental implant components, including the post, abutment, and crown — Many dentists try to preserve natural teeth before recommending an extraction and crown

Cheap dental implants will not give you great results. Dentists often use low-quality implant fixtures or take diagnostic shortcuts to provide exceptionally low fees for their services. Your implants will not last. Although you do not need to choose the most expensive implant dentist, do not seek a bargain.

How to Find an Implant Dentist

You can find an implant dentist by researching several dentists’ training, education, credentials, and memberships.

Research the dentist’s implant training

Check dentists’ websites to see if they refer patients to an oral surgeon or periodontist for implant surgery or perform the surgery themselves.

When a dentist performs both implant surgery and restoration, look for credentials or membership from these organizations:

Misch Implant Institute
International Congress of Oral Implantologists
American Academy of Implant Dentists

Ask about the diagnosis process

Seek a dentist who uses 3-D CT technology to plan for your dental implants. Or the dentist should refer you to a specialist who uses that technology. 3-D scans reveal your oral and facial anatomy to ensure optimal implant placement.

Take the following precautions:

Research the dentist’s cosmetic dentistry training.
Look for a dentist with post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training. Also, check for the dentist’s continuing education in cosmetic dentistry. It will increase your chances of getting natural-looking results. An accredited cosmetic dentist will give you high-quality results.
Check online reviews
Read Google and Yelp reviews about the dentist’s work. And look for comments about dental implants or full-mouth restoration.

You can schedule a consultation with two or three dentists before choosing one to restore your teeth.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Perry strives to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

My Insurance Won’t Cover a Tooth Post and Core

Posted on September 19, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My insurance won’t cover a tooth post for my right, even though my dentist says it will help save my tooth. My insurance will pay 50% for a crown but not the $740 post and core. Are a post and core necessary? How long could my tooth last if I declined the post and core? – Thank you – Tim, from SD

Tim,

Thank you for your question.

Insurance companies often provide benefits for the least expensive treatment. Your dentist is concerned about preserving your tooth.

What Are a Dental Post and Core?

A dental post is a small, thin post that a dentist inserts your tooth. A core is a filling material that builds up your tooth in preparation for a dental crown. The combination of a post and core stabilizes and strengthens a weak tooth.

Why Would a Dentist Recommend It?

A dentist may recommend a post and core after root canal treatment or if you lack healthy tooth structure for supporting a dental crown. The procedure will ensure the crown stays in place.

The procedure includes these steps:
Root canal treatment to remove decay and infection
Insert a post deep into the tooth
Fill the tooth with material to stabilize the post
Apply dental bonding to the tooth to shape it like a natural tooth that is ready for a crown
Bond the crown to the built-up tooth

What Might Happen If You Refuse the Post and Core?

If you refuse a dental post and core, these concerns may result:

Bonding a crown to a weak tooth can irritate or weaken the tooth and lead to infection.
The tooth may require removal.
Your dentist may need to replace the tooth with a dental implant and crown. Associated fees can cost up to $5,000. Get a pretreatment estimate from your dentist and ask your dental insurance company how much your plan will cover.

Your dentist’s approach protects your tooth for the future and saves you the time and expense of more costly procedures. If you are still unsure about your dentist’s treatment recommendations, you can schedule a second opinion with an advanced cosmetic dentist and ask for an examination of your tooth and x-rays.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

Will I need to Replace a Veneer Tooth with an Implant?

Posted on March 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My left incisor is a porcelain veneer tooth. Two weeks ago, I had my annual exam and cleaning, and my dentist says the x-ray showed a cavity in that tooth. I have six other veneers and am happy they don’t have activities. My dentist’s first option is to replace the veneer with a crown. I am afraid to go this route. How do I know a mistake won’t happen, and my dentist will say I need an implant next? How common is it for a veneered tooth to get a cavity? – Thank you. Rich from Colorado

Rich

Thank you for your question.

Dr. Perry would need to examine your tooth, but we recommend not agreeing to treatment until you get a second opinion.

Although you did not mention the cavity size, it would need to be significant to require a crown. If your dentist places a crown, you will lose most of the tooth’s structure in preparation for the crown. And preparing an incisor for a dental crown will weaken it and increase the risk of breaking.

Dental implant — Get a second opinion before allowing a dentist to replace a veneer with a crown or an implant.

We recommend getting a second opinion if you have porcelain veneers and want to keep them. Look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training who works with a quality dental lab. The dentist will check your veneer and look for clues of what may have caused the cavity in the tooth.

Sometimes, a cavity in a veneered tooth is due to microleakage if the veneer is not sealed where it meets your tooth. Also, frequent snacking can increase the risk of decay on natural teeth and teeth with restorations.

After a second opinion to evaluate your tooth, another dentist can explain your treatment. If your tooth is not diseased beyond a cavity, you should not require a dental implant to replace it.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.

Tooth still hurts after a second root canal

Posted on January 29, 2021 by AllSmiles.

In 2007, I had a root canal on my upper right first molar (tooth #3). Last October, I began to feel pain in the second molar (tooth #2) behind it, which had a large filling in it. My dentist took x-rays and said that I needed a root canal for the second molar. Although I didn’t have pain in the first molar, my dentist saw a black area in the bone above that tooth.

An endodontist completed the root canal on the second molar, and then the first molar began to hurt. Although I had a root canal in 2007 for the first molar, the endodontist said I needed repeat treatment. The second molar improved, but I continued to feel pain in the first molar.

Over the next two months, the endodontist re-medicated both teeth four times. But the first molar still hurts even if I rub my tongue on it. The endodontist is cooperative and says that the tooth has no visible internal or external fractures on the x-ray. He said that the holes at the tooth root are a little large from the 2007 root canal. He pushed filler material through the holes. The dark area above the tooth is not around the roots. It is a pocket in the jaw.

The endodontist thinks that the pain might be from bone loss over the years and a slow-growing infection. Should I ask for an antibiotic to see if the tooth is infected? If the black area is bone loss, will the bone grow back? If it is an infection, will it reinfect my other teeth? I’m concerned about a third root canal on this tooth failing and requiring extraction and an implant. I am still wearing temporary crowns because the endodontist does not want my dentist to restore the teeth with permanent crowns until the pain goes away. I am not confident that this will be resolved. Thank you. Benji from MO

Benji,

Dr. Perry would need to examine your tooth and see your x-rays to give you an accurate diagnosis. But your description sounds like your endodontist is careful and wants to save your tooth. A second or third root canal treatment is more conservative than tooth extraction. And the endodontist’s explanations sound reasonable.

As your tooth heals, the black area on the x-ray will fill in with bone over the next few months. It doesn’t seem that an infection is spreading.

Pain after root canal treatment

If you have pain in a tooth after root canal treatment, your dentist can determine if the pain is from infection or if your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth come in contact) is the problem.

Antibiotics decrease pain – If you take an antibiotic and the pain resolves, it usually means that the pain is from an infection rather than a tooth nerve, stress on the tooth, or another factor. Your endodontist might be willing to use antibiotics to determine if an infection is causing the pain.
Painful chewing – If you feel pain when you chew, the tooth is too high, and your dentist can reduce it. If your bite is too high, when you chew, that tooth takes more impact than the others and becomes sensitive.

Give your endodontist more time to try to identify the source of the pain. An extraction and a dental implant may not be necessary. Sometimes tooth pain is referred from somewhere else—even an opposing (or lower) tooth.

After your dentist and endodontist are satisfied that they have resolved the issue, you can receive your permanent crowns. If you get the crowns prematurely and the pain persists, your dentist would need to remove the crowns for further treatment.

Ryan Perry, DDS, of Baton Rouge sponsors this post.

Read our post, Root Canal Tooth Hurting Again?, for information about causes of root canal failure.

Should I Have Seen a Specialist for my Bone Graft?

Posted on September 30, 2019 by ectree.

Hi,

My general dentist told me I needed a bone graft before I could get dental implants. After the bone graft healed, he tried to place the implant, but said my bone was still too thin. After all this surgery, he’s now saying I should get a bridge. Would this have happened if I went to a specialist instead? I thought I could trust him because of his experience.

Marcel, from Seattle, Washington

Hi Marcel,

Your dentist sounds like he knows he made a mistake. He likely has more experience placing bridges than he does with dental implants, and is trying to give you the best-looking result. If you need work on a single tooth, a bridge is a good option. If you still would like a dental implant, ask him to refer you to a periodontist or oral surgeon with experience in implants.

While this incident would probably not have happened in the hands of a specialist, dental implantology is not a field recognized by the ADA. They do, however, have more advanced training in placing dental implants than general dentists.

Even with experience, a bone graft is a difficult procedure. If your dentist had gone ahead with your implant, your dental implant would have likely failed, which would have cost you even more in the future. So he is trying to do right by you. Dentists are likely to make mistakes as they try new things. It’s up to you to decide if you’d like a dental bridge or to see an implant specialist to continue.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge dental implant provider, Dr. Ryan Perry.

Should I see an emergency dentist for a hurting dental implant?

Posted on June 26, 2018 by Travis Wachendorf.

I just finished getting a dental implant about two weeks ago. It’s been quite a process, first having the procedure to get the post in and waiting for it to heal. Now, having the tooth on there is nice, although I have had some pain there the past two days. It’s not the same pain as the actual implant healing, but it hurts just the same. I can’t eat on it. I don’t remember eating anything particularly hard on it within the last few days to aggravate it. Should I just ride this out as a normal part of implant healing or should I see an emergency dentist before it gets worse?

Mary, Portland, Maine

Dear Mary,

If it was just a regular tooth that was starting to hurt out of the blue, you could wait and schedule an appointment with your dentist to get it checked, but where you just had an implant there, it warrants a trip to the emergency dentist. You may have an infection. Especially where you can’t eat on it, it’s better safe than sorry to get it checked.

How bad can an infection be?

The reason infection is worrisome, especially in your scenario, is that it can affect all the work you just had done with your implant. If the infection is severe enough, you may have to have the post taken out. In some cases, if the infection has spread and affected the jaw bone that anchors the post, a bone graft is necessary before the process can start all over, with all the healing time again in between steps.

Aside from being painful and uncomfortable, if infection is left unchecked, any infection, it can spread. Once it spreads to the heart or if it reaches the brain, it becomes a matter of life or death. That’s why early detection and taking care of infection with medication is so important.

Speaking to the dentist you have been working with on your implant about your pain would be the best. Many offices have after-hours or even a dental emergency number. If you can’t talk to anyone there within a few hours, schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryan Perry at Baton Rouge Family Dentist in Louisianna.

Are partial implants good for me or my dentist’s pocketbook?

Posted on March 11, 2018 by Travis Wachendorf.

I have had dentures for some 15 years now and recently decided I was ready for a new set. When I went in and discussed it with my dentist, she asked about my current set and I told her I was pretty uncomfortable and I didn’t like how they looked. She told me I could go with a new set of dentures, but she also mentioned getting implants. She said they could do a half one, or a partial implant, I think she called it. They would look more like real teeth, be more secure, and more comfortable, but they are more expensive. When I mentioned it to my son, he made it sound like the dentist is just trying to take advantage of “an old lady.” Are these partial implants not good for someone like me?

Barbara, Lawrence, Kansas

Dear Barbara,

It’s not surprising that your dentures are uncomfortable, especially if you have had your current set for some time. Unfortunately, when there are no teeth in your jaw, the body thinks there is no need for the minerals in the jawbone there and the minerals are absorbed elsewhere in the body. When this happens, the jaw shrinks and changes. This leads to discomfort in the dentures.

Why partial implants?

Your dentist may have suggested partial implants as a viable way to maintain some of the minerals in your jawbone. When there are implants, the body treats them just like roots from real teeth and the minerals, and the shape of your jaw, are maintained. These implants help keep the dentures in their place. When you don’t have to worry about your dentures slipping and they are more comfortable, you naturally tend to smile more.

It is true that partial implants cost more than a replacement set of dentures. It requires the placement of a few root forms to anchor the dentures, but it is considerably less than a full set of implants.

If your dentist suggested a partial implant, she must have thought you would be a good candidate. Implants aren’t the best option for everyone, but your dentist will discuss all the health considerations before proceeding. She wants your procedure to be successful just as much as you do.

A second opinion can always be obtained if it would put your son’s mind at ease.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryan Perry of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Are there things I can do to help my dental implant succeed?

Posted on January 11, 2018 by Travis Wachendorf.

I am hoping to get a dental implant to replace a tooth in the front of my mouth. I have had a lot of dental work done before. Some of it was in an emergency situation, some of it just regular check-up findings. Some of the dental work I have had done was great and helped, and sometimes it wasn’t so great. Because of my varied experiences, I am a little nervous about getting an implant. Several people have scared me with stories of failed implants. Are there things I can do or watch for to help make sure mine is successful?

Thanks,

Jeffrey, Milwaukee

Dear Jeffrey,

That is a great question and there are things we can suggest to help your dental implant succeed.

First and foremost is choose the right dentist.

There are many dentists across the world who claim to be able to complete a dental implant. Dental implantology is not a specialty that is officially recognized, like orthodontia, but there are credentials that dentists can receive for additional study and practice in dental implants. Do your homework when choosing a dentist. Look for a diploma or ask about accreditation from the International Congress of Oral Implantologiests or the American Board of Oral Implantology.

Don’t go cheap.

The dentist who will help your dental implant succeed is not going to be the cheapest dentist. That’s because he will use high-quality materials. Substandard materials that may be cheaper will lead to problems with fit and the life and quality of the implant.

Give your dentist a thorough medical history and complete any pre-implant testing.

Your health plays a role in the success of your implant. You will be asked for your medical history and may be asked to complete a CT scan. Sometimes people wonder if that is necessary when you get xrays done every year at your exams. The answer is yes.

The doctor needs to make sure you have adequate bone structure to support implants and needs to know where to place the root forms so they don’t go into your sinuses. The easiest way to find that out is through a CT scan.

Even following all the instructions of a competent dentist, there are times when unforeseen complications arise and the implant may fail. Your body may just not respond well to implants. There is a risk of failure with most medical procedures. Sometimes, even with top experts and ideal scenarios, a procedure may not work and that is a risk you take.

We wish you luck with your implants.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryan Perry in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

How do we best fill the space of an extracted tooth?

Posted on December 22, 2017 by Travis Wachendorf.

My daughter had an accident in her gymnastics class and hit her front tooth. She has had root canals on it to fix it, but they failed. My daughter’s dentist is recommending that she have it extracted, which I’m okay with, but I’m just concerned about what to do after to fill that spot. This is such new territory for us and I don’t want to mess up her smile. What are our options?

Concerned, Santa Fe, NM

Dear Concerned,

Anyone would be concerned in your situation. You didn’t say how old your daughter is, but at any age, a person’s smile can speak volumes. After your daughter’s surgery for the tooth extraction, there are a few options you have for her.

Dental implant

For an adult, a dental implant is often the replacement of choice for a tooth extraction. A dental implant allows a porcelain tooth that is strong, durable, and natural looking, to be placed onto a root form that is directly implanted into the jawbone. The body will keep the jawbone there intact because the minerals there are still needed, as with a natural tooth. Unfortunately, a dental implant isn’t the best option for your daughter because of her age. Her face and jawbone are still growing. As her jaw grows, her natural teeth will move along with the growth. An implant won’t move as the other teeth, which will then lead to misplacement of the natural teeth.

Dental bridge

A dental bridge can be a viable option in the right scenario. A bridge is made by putting crowns on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth with a false tooth in the middle. This can be a secure option, but the problem is the surrounding teeth have to be prepared and receive crowns, even if they are healthy teeth, in order for it to be stable.

Dental flipper

A dental flipper, which is sometimes called a flipper partial, is a removable temporary tooth. This can be made almost as a retainer with a mold that fits the top of the mouth, or with metal clips that go over the back teeth. This the least expensive option of the three. With this option, the surrounding teeth remain intact if you are hoping to wait for dental implants.

Please don’t be afraid to ask questions of your daughter’s dentist before any work is done. As with any cosmetic dental work, ask about his experience with all the above treatments and make sure you are comfortable with whatever treatment he suggests.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryan Perry in Baton Rouge, Lousiana.